Dr. Sarah F. McWilliams Kelly-Wilcox

Services for Dr. Sarah Frances McWilliams Kelly-Wilcox will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, 12:00 p.m. at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home – North, with family receiving friends from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens cemetery. Webb & Stephens Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Dr. Kelly-Wilcox was welcomed into the arms of the Lord Sunday, June 16, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Dr. Sarah Frances McWilliams Kelly-Wilcox was born into the union of Ernest and Elizabeth McWilliams on August 22, 1948, in Kemper County.

She grew up in the country and she loved to read and learn new things. When she finally moved to Meridian, MS, with her parents and siblings, she attended Harris Jr. High School and graduated in 1966. She met and married Mr. Ulyssess Kelly, also a graduate of Harris Jr. High School and a local apprentice plasterer at the time, on November 1, 1968. Into this union came Felicia McWilliams, Melissa Kelly, and Devitta Kelly.

She attended Meridian Community College and received her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree on October 19th 1973 and was employed with Jeff Anderson Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She enjoyed working the night shift in the nursery at Jeff Anderson where she met and created long lasting sisterhoods and friendships.

She enjoyed attending and working the church as well as attending live gospel singing events. She served as a Sunday School Teacher for the Ladies Class from 1991-1994 at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church as well as attended Greater Fellowship MB Church Shepherded by Rev. Alvin Moore Jr. in later years and became a member of the ministerial staff. She began her journey as a minister at Good Shepherded Ministries School of Theology-Dr. Debra Brewer Chancellor. She received her PhD. In Theology from Christian Life School of Theology Global on September 12, 2016 in Marietta, GA.

On May 28, 2005, God blessed her to join into the Covenant of Marriage with Mr. Jimmy Wilcox in his hometown of Butler, Alabama. Into this union came the gifts of sons and daughters, Tonia Wilcox-Lewis (Bernard), Gerald Wilcox, Reginald Wilcox, and Vincent Wilcox. 

Dr. Sarah is preceded in death by her husbands, Mr. Jimmy Wilcox and Mr. Ulyssess Kelly; parents, Ernest and Elizabeth McWilliams; siblings, Mrs. Jesse McDonald, Mrs. Earline McWilliams-Hunt, Mrs. Helen McWilliams-McDonald, Miss Mary M. McWilliams, Mr. Jammie McWilliams, and Ms. Lannie Mae McWilliams-Bolden.

She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Mrs. Faye McWilliams-Laster, Mrs. Lorene McWilliams-Ormond, Mr. Jerry McWilliams (Toni), and Mr. Ernest E. McWilliams.

Her legacy will continue with her daughters, Mrs. Felicia McWilliams-Kelly-Brookins (Jason), Mrs. Melissa Kelly-Cullum (Stanley), and Ms. Devitta Kelly; grandchildren, Mr. Wesley R. Kelly, Ms. Sarah E. Cullum, Mr. Stanton Cullum, Mr. Brandon Cullum, and Mr. Phillip Brookins; and great granddaughter, Mallory Kelly. She also leaves fond memories with her spiritual daughters, Marsha and Teresa, and her spiritual son, Mr. Chuck Johnson, to cherish her memory along with her spiritual sisters and a host of other family and friends.